Hip Braces As A Conservative Treatment Alternatives For Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) in the hip is defined as the abnormal bone geometry in the proximal femur (ball) and/or the acetabulum rim (socket) that causes impingement of the soft tissue between the articulating bone. This bone abnormality often leads to pain in the hip, a reduced range of motion, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Since the FAI injury mechanism is mechanical in nature, treatment regiments must address the altered mechanics to be effective. A conservative treatment utilizing hip braces to address the injury mechanism was studied. Two hip braces, the SERF Brace and a modified Groin Brace, were tested under a slow walking, fast walking, and a slow jogging condition in healthy controls using motion capture. The data collected suggested both braces alter the hip motions in favor of addressing the injury mechanisms faced by FAI patients. Therefore, hip braces may be used as a conservative treatment to alter hip motions to decrease the injury-inducing mechanism associated with FAI.